Saddle Trail

San Bruno Mountain

Directions: Highway 101 to the Brisbane/Cow Palace turnoff. Continue past Brisbane to Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. Watch for park entrance on your right. There is a $3 entry fee. For access at Crocker Gate, go east from Mission Street (Daly City) on Crocker Avenue or south on South Hill Avenue from Geneva Avenue (San Francisco).

Grade: Easy.

Distance: 2.5 miles for Saddle Trail. .8 miles for Bog Trail.

Time: One to three hours.

Special Conditions: No dogs allowed. Bicycles limited to Saddle Trail and Old Guadalupe Road. Rest rooms and picnic tables at the trail head. Dress for windy weather, and bring your camera and binoculars.

This trail is operated by San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Department. Call (415) 363-4020 for information.

"Take a two-mile walk every morning before breakfast." President Harry Truman

Harry Truman had the right idea. A brisk two-mile walk every day before breakfast is an ideal way to start the day--quality time to stretch your legs, to meditate, to organize your day, to put your problems in perspective, and to work up an appetite. If I lived closer to the Saddle Trail on San Bruno Mountain, I think I could easily get into the early morning habit. I've walked this trail only once, in mid-afternoon, but I have a vivid picture of it at sunrise.

As the dawn brings early light, the orange/red sun clears the East Bay hills and spreads its golden light on the upper reaches of San Bruno Mountain. Soon the light extends to the tall buildings in downtown San Francisco. Windows glow like jewels, reflecting the early morning rays, and here and there, wisps of fog spread the light in a shadowy haze. To the north, Mount Tamalpais shines bright and clear, while a heavy blanket of fog moves in through the Golden Gate. On another day, San Bruno Mountain is covered by fog so thick that the trail is visible for only a few feet, and the world ahead is mysterious and unknown. On still another day, a strong wind from the west lashes the mountain with driving rain of horizontal proportions.

So much for my imagination. Hike this part of San Bruno Mountain for yourself, and you will agree that its many moods and marvelous views make it one of the region's premier walks.

We started this hike from the parking lot beyond the pay station at the park entrance. Rest rooms and picnic tables are directly ahead, and you can pick up this loop trail on either side of the picnic area.

We found the Saddle Trail on the right side of the picnic area and were soon on the flank of the ridge, headed toward acres of gorse. This exotic (non-domestic) plant has sharp, spiny leaves with abundant yellow pea-shaped flowers. The plant, which grows as a dense, impenetrable mass, is an invasive pest that quickly crowds out the native species. But from a distance, its bright yellow crown is a sure reminder of spring.

After a short distance, we crossed over the ridge and were treated to spectacular views of San Francisco and the North Bay counties. During the next mile or so, new views caught our eye from Candlestick Park to Ocean Beach, east to Mount Diablo and north to Mount Tam and Point Reyes. It is truly a place where "On a clear day, you can see forever."

As the trail circles west and south, you will pass by a new housing development--"Village in the Park," lose a little altitude, and intersect with Old Guadalupe Trail. If you turn right, you will soon be at Crocker Gate, the trailhead on Crocker Avenue, where parking is free. Turn left at the junction, and follow Old Guadalupe Trail (a paved road) for .8 miles to the parking lot.

On the down slope of the trail, from Crocker Gate to Bog Trail, is an interesting interaction of plant life unlike any other I have seen in the Bay Area. Ivy has taken over and covers everything--the ground, fallen trees, small shrubs, and even high up the tall eucalyptus trees. The whole scene is an impenetrable mass of shiny, fresh leaves that glisten in the sun, flutter in the breeze, and give every impression of a jungle from which, once you enter, you could never return.

The final hiking treat is the Bog Trail. This short three-quarter of a mile loop trail is located just east of the parking lot. The upper half of the trail is marked accessible and is well graded for wheelchairs, strollers, and those who are physically limited. The lower half is a narrow trail that winds down to a ravine with a seasonal stream and up the opposite slope join the accessible trail to complete the loop. The Bog Trail would be a good choice for families with young children and for limited seniors. It lacks the views from the Saddle Trail but has a nice way of giving you an experience with nature.